How is an MRI performed?
Although each hospital may have specific protocols in place, generally, an MRI procedure follows this process: • Because of the strong magnetic field, the patient must remove all jewelry and metal objects such as hairpins or barrettes, hearing aids, eyeglasses, and dental pieces. • If a contrast medication and/or sedative is to be given by an intravenous line (IV), an IV line will be started in your hand or arm. If the contrast is to be taken by mouth, the patient will be given the contrast to swallow. • The patient lies on a table that slides into the scanner. • The MRI staff will be in another room where the scanner controls are located. However, the MRI staff will be in constant view of the patient through a window. Speakers inside the scanner will enable the staff to communicate with and hear the patient. The patient will have a call bell so that he/she can let the staff know if he/she has any problems during the procedure. • During the scanning process, a knocking noise occurs as
